Springboard

DT781 CPD Diploma in Accessible Web Design

This aim of this programme is to produce graduates in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) who are familiar with the principles of web accessibility and who have the necessary skills to design, evaluate and develop accessible web sites according to the World-Wide-Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0). The EU RIGA declaration of 2006 commits all member states of the EU, associate states and candidate states to having all public websites WCAG 2.0 compliant, a target most are struggling to meet. There are over 50 million people in the EU classed as disabled who need inclusive ICT. There is an aging population who also need access to the web. There is a huge shortfall in the skills needed to do this across Europe, offering Ireland the opportunity to take a leadership position, and therefore this emerging area has strong potential for job creation in export services. Given the number of American multinationals in the ICT industry in Ireland and the requirement for these companies to adhere to the American Disability Act, skilled individuals are required with the ability to develop and quality assure accessible web resources. Fully exploiting the potential of accessible web services within many sectors will also lead to the development of innovative products and services with huge export potential. Graduates with these skills may also be in a position to start up their own businesses in this area.

The technical modules which students will complete on the programme are:

Internet Development (Client) (5 ECTS)

Internet Development (Server) (5 ECTS)

Universal Design and Assistive ICT (5 ECTS)

Accessible Web Design (5 ECTS)

In addition, learners will take the following mandatory modules:

Enterprise Project (10 ECTS): This is a module that can be completed in through work placement, project work (including interdisciplinary projects), industry sponsored projects, and service-learning. This module is designed specifically for this programme and other Springboard 2011 programmes, drawing on the strong background in industry liaison and service-learning/community based learning in the College of Sciences and Health, DIT.

Advanced Project Management (5 ECTS): This module prepares students to complete projects both in the academic environment and in the professional environment. As a key transferable skill, students are prepared through this module to appropriately plan, direct and take responsibility for their own work and the work of teams in the completion of projects.

Advanced Innovation and Career Development (5 ECTS): This module is designed specifically for the learning needs of Springboard 2011 participants. It will provide the learner with an opportunity to develop thinking and creativity skills, as well as learning how to adopt an innovative approach both as members of organisations and in their individual learning.

Course Duration

Classes will take place from September to January, and will be followed by the Enterprise Project module beginning in February. Classes will take place in blocks for a small number of weeks in September and January. Additionally classes will take place on one day per week and occasional Saturdays between September and January.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this programme can:

Advance to further study in computing and information technology

Apply for web development positions in the Irish software industry

Apply for advisory positions in the universal design and assistive technology sectors

Use their critical thinking skills, their career development skills, and their independent learning skills to make the right career choices

Progression

Graduates of this programme may be eligible to apply for admission to major award programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, depending on other experience.

Entry requirements

This is a programme at Level 8 on the NFQ, and as such, applicants must have a qualification at level 7, or relevant experience. Applicants do not require a strong background in computing